The use of humour in psychotherapy is something that is close to my heart as I have participated in, and witnessed its effective use in catalysing change ie. beyond insight and understanding there is the potential to change patterns.....

This work was developed by Frank Farrelly of Madison, Wisconsin and he co-wrote a book with Jeff Brandsma entitled "Provocative Therapy." (via Amazon.com)

Farrelly lectures and teaches in Europe, and recently The British Institute of Provocative Therapy was established which runs training programmes. (www.provocativetherapy.co.uk.). I am attending this training in order to enrich my skills portfolio and found it to be very useful in my art therapy practice.

Since the 1960-s Farrelly has developed the use of humour into a cutting edge therapeutic tool. Farrelly's book is a tough read, but don't give up, check out the websites, and anything on Provocative Therapy, but best of all, if you can attend any training or conferences, you will be nothing short of AMAZED! This therapy breaks every rule of the book and yet is only effective if delivered with 'affection in the heart and a twinkle in the eye'.

If you want to use humour with clients as a therapeutic modality, this is THE seminal work.